PITT COUNTY, N.C. – The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) in partnership with Civic Federal Credit Union named Pitt County Animal Services Mutt Strutters one of 10 2022 Civic Excellence in Innovation Awards winners. The award was presented on August 12, 2022 at the NCACC conference in Concord, NC.
Animal Shelter Supervisor, Miranda Guinn, accepted the award alongside County Manager Janis Gallagher and Commissioners Floyd Huggins and Perkins Williams.
The primary mission of Pitt County Animal Services (PCAS) is to “safeguard public health and safety by supporting the education of citizens on responsible pet ownership; to protect the community’s animals from cruelty and neglect, and to house, care, place or provide humane resolution for animals in its care.”
Click here to watch a video about the Pitt County Mutt Stutters!
“In conjunction with students and faculty of the Department of Kinesiology at ECU, Animal Services is able to carry out this mission by operating a service-learning dog-walking program at the shelter,” says Guinn. She continues, “The goal is to improve the health and well-being of shelter pets, as well as that of the students and volunteers.”
Affectionally known as Mutt Stutters, the program was developed in partnership with PCAS as a for-credit service-learning fitness walking class by Dr. Melanie Sartore-Baldwin, Associate Professor of Kinesiology at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. The Mutt Strutters provide much-needed enrichment and socialization for the shelter dogs allowing them to become more adoptable, and allows students and volunteers to give back to the community and become advocates for shelter animals.
The combined efforts of the students, community volunteers, and PCAS staff led to extraordinary results. Adoption rates continue to climb, euthanasia rates decreased, and both shelter pets and their Mutt Stutters have benefitted from the physical activity.
Many students continue to volunteer with the Shelter following the conclusion of their class.
The recent expansion project more than doubled the Shelter’s capacity. Funding from the University, County, and Community donations continues to improve outcomes for Pitt County Animal Services.
To become a Mutt Strutter or make a donation, please call PCAS at 252-902-1725.
The Mission of Pitt County Government is to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of our community by advocating for and providing quality services in a friendly and cost-effective manner. Learn more: www.PittCountyNC.gov
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Media Contact:
Dawn C. Jones
Director, Public Information & Media Relations Past Releases:
dawn.jones@pittcountync.gov | (252) 902-2955 www.PittCountyNC.gov/PIO